Gateron New North Pole V2 vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the TTC Venus mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique features and qualities that cater to different preferences. The New North Pole V2 is praised for its polished, creamy, and frictionless feel, maintaining a smooth typing experience even without a rubber dampener. On the other hand, the TTC Venus stands out for its buttery, gummy, and frictionless characteristics, coupled with a distinctive "Q-texture" that provides a springy resistance akin to biting into a chewy mochi. While the New North Pole V2 focuses on a crisper typing experience with a consistent glide, the Venus offers a matte sensation with a muted sound signature for a more engaging press. Both switches have their strengths, but diving deeper into the specifics will help you determine the best fit for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ink Housing Material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the TTC Venus differ in their top housing material, with the New North Pole V2 featuring a polycarbonate top housing and the Venus featuring a POM top housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Venus produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, but with distinct characteristics. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, both switches use polycarbonate, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile for both switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the New North Pole V2 is more beneficial for those planning to use RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for a more vibrant and illuminated appearance. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Venus may offer a more subdued and subtle visual appeal. While both switches use polycarbonate for the bottom housing, this consistency ensures a uniform sound profile throughout the keystroke experience. The split between the two housing materials emphasizes the importance of the top housing for the sound upon key release and the bottom housing for the bottom-out sound and feel.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron New North Pole V2 and the TTC Venus ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile and visual aesthetics. The polycarbonate top and bottom housings of the New North Pole V2 provide a clear and resonant sound profile, while the POM top housing of the Venus offers a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a specific sound and feel in their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch to the TTC Venus linear switch, it is clear that the actuation force and bottom out force play a significant role in the typing experience. The New North Pole V2 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Venus's lighter actuation force of 45 grams. Similarly, the bottom out force of the New North Pole V2 is also heavier at 62.5 grams, while the Venus has a lighter bottom out force of 52 grams. This means that the New North Pole V2 provides a more substantial typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Venus offers a lighter touch, perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. Both switches fall within the medium to medium-light range, so users can expect similar results in terms of feel, with the main difference being the slight variation in force required for each key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Venus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. The New North Pole V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Venus, which means it may feel a bit more substantial when pressed. On the other hand, the Venus offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive and quicker to actuate. Gamers especially may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Venus for faster response times during intense gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired feel when typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
The TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron New North Pole V2 offers a neutral and subdued typing experience, with a focus on maintaining a smooth and frictionless feel while minimizing noise. On the other hand, the TTC Venus linear switch provides a low-pitched, muted, and thocky sound profile, creating a harmonious and engaging auditory experience with each key press. While the New North Pole V2 focuses on a more subtle sound signature, the Venus switch offers a unique blend of deep tones and quiet operation, appealing to those looking for a more distinctive auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is described as polished, creamy, and frictionless, providing a refined and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Meanwhile, the TTC Venus switch is characterized by a buttery, gummy, and polished feel, offering a seamless and effortless keystroke sensation reminiscent of bottoming out on a soft surface. Both switches prioritize a smooth and fluid typing experience, with the New North Pole V2 focusing on refined key travel and reduced friction, while the Venus switch emphasizes a uniform and gentle typing sensation.
Overall, both the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the New North Pole V2 prioritizes a more subdued and neutral sound with a focus on polished and frictionless typing, the Venus switch stands out with its low-pitched, thocky sound and buttery, gummy feel. Depending on the user's preference for sound profile and typing experience, both switches provide a high-quality option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences and the specific typing experience desired.
Conclusion
In summary, when considering which switch to choose between the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, your decision may depend on your preference for typing experience and bottom-out force. If you prioritize a crisper typing feel with medium bottom-out force, the Gateron New North Pole V2 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a unique "matte" sensation, light actuation force, and captivating sound signature, the TTC Venus linear switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth and frictionless typing experience, but your choice may come down to personal preferences in terms of force, sound, and feel. It's essential to consider what qualities are most important to you when selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs.
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